Sukumpol rules out three explosions as terror attacks
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Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat on Wednesday tried to allay anxiety over Tuesday's triple explosions in Bangkok, saying the blasts should not be construed as terror attacks.
“In my personal view, the men were trying to assemble bombs which led to the explosions,” he said.
Sukumpol said police had already taken custody of two Iranian bomber suspects. Another suspect remains at large after fleeing a rented house on Soi Pridi Banomyong 31 off Sukhumvit 71.
The National Security Council has convened a meeting on the explosions before holding a press conference later today.
US and Israeli authorities have voiced suspicion about the involvement of Iran and Hezbollah in targeting Israeli nationals.
National Security Council secretary general Wichean Potephosree said on Wednesday that the explosive devices found at the rented house off Sukhumvit 71 were meant for individual targets.
Based on preliminary checks by police, the Iranian bomber suspects, one who is believed to have fled to Malaysia, and two in police custody, wanted to target individuals although the potential targets or organisations remain unclear, Wichean said.
“The explosives devices were not for sabotage but further checks will be needed before drawing conclusions about a terror attack,” he said.
Police had no evidence to link Tuesday’s three explosions to Lebanese Artris Hussein, held in custody since last month on suspicion of possessing explosives.
